A modified Delorme's operation for the treatment of rectal mucosal prolapse.

Aims: Many procedures have been described for the treatment of rectal internal mucosal prolapse (RMP), but the therapeutic effect is questionable. This work is to evaluate clinical and functional outcome of a modified Delorme's operation-trans-anal purse-string sutures for rectal mucosa and submucosa (TAS) for the treatment of RMP.

Methods: The clinical data of 58 patients with rectal mucosal prolapse treated with rectal mucosa and submucosal tissue (TAS) between June 2004 and June 2008 were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: No patient died. Satisfaction with surgery was high in 48 cases (82.8%), moderate in seven (12.1%), and low in three (5.17%). Prolapse relapse rate was 5.17%. Anal tenesmus and urge to defecate resolved in 52 (89.7%) patients. Constipation improved in 25 of 28 (89.3%) previously constipated patients. No surgery-associated constipation occurred. The mean operative time was 31 (range 22-46) min. Mean hospital stay was 3 days (range 2-6). Mean patient follow-up was 32 months (range 12-60).

Conclusions: From our data, TAS for the treatment of RMP showed encouraging results with little complications and an acceptable relapse rate. This economical procedure induces only mild trauma and is easy to perform, making it worthy of further practice and investigation.